Nastacha

Alvarado

Melody

Olvera

Monica

Reyes

Gerardo Gamiño

Founder, Chief Executive Officer

My name is Gerardo and I am from Los Angeles, California. I am studying Physiology and Developmental Biology at BYU before heading to medical school. I am the son of Mexican immigrants who came to this country with a dream of a better life. When I first started looking into college readiness, no one in my family knew how to help me. However, with the help of mentors, I was able to apply to some of the best universities and it gave me a vision of excellence, which drove me to form Puente.

Aaron Pemberton

Chief Operating Officer

My name is Aaron and I’m from Arizona. I’ve experienced several unique cultures from Georgia to Oklahoma, to Germany and Spain. Being exposed to this diversity has helped shape me into the person I am today. I feel that I have a lot to offer with a unique background from being a military kid, and it has helped me to connect in different ways with those in Puente. I helped found Puente because I love the Latino community, a community full of potential with a very bright future ahead. I love working with parents and students and on top of that I get to work in a community I love. My role as COO is to oversee daily operations of the organization and make sure all other responsibilities and roles are being met.

Hannah Antillón

Public Relations, Business Management

I’m Hannah! I’m from Albany, New York. Growing up my dad would tell us about his difficult journey coming from El Salvador to the U.S. and getting into college. Because of his own experiences, he was already familiar with the resources I needed to prepare me for college. I am a part of Puente to help others just as he has helped me. Being diverse is one part of my identity that I embrace the most. Throughout my college experience, I have participated in the BYU Multicultural Student Service events. This past year, I was in the Tonga and New Zealand section for Lu’au. I regularly attend salsa club on Tuesdays. I have also earned a Spanish certificate for speaking and writing. I love my heritage!

Easton Deshler

Chief Financial Officer

My name is Easton. I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and am currently a Finance major at Brigham Young University. I lived in Argentina for two years and in that time gained an immense appreciation for Hispanic cultures. Upon returning to the United States, I recognized the difficulties of living in a country that isn’t one’s native home and the struggles many first-generation Hispanic families face every day. I then joined Puente hoping that I could make a lasting impact on these people.

Nastacha Alvarado

Editor in Chief

My name is Nastacha and I am the Chief Editor and Translator for Puente. I’m originally from Ponce, Puerto Rico and I’m studying Spanish Translation at BYU. I chose to be part of Puente because I have a connection to the cause. Growing up in a predominantly Hispanic border town, I saw firsthand how hard it was for people my age to move on to higher education. Now that I am older and more capable, I want to help change the status quo.

Melody Olvera

Director of Mentoring

My name is Melody and I’m from Kansas City, Missouri. I joined Puente because I know what it is like not to have the support you wish you had. I think everyone deserves to have the same opportunities and support when it comes to planning your future. I’ve always been taught to lift up my people and I’ve been grateful for those who have put that into practice in my life. I hope I can do the same for the Latino community here in Utah.

Marieli Rojas

Executive Coordinator

My name is Marieli and I’m from Boston. I manage communication between schools and Puente. I coordinate with LIA teachers and counselors to schedule workshops with them. As a daughter of Guatemalan immigrant parents, I have loved growing up with the Latino culture and I find great joy in serving the community. There were many obstacles that I had to overcome as a first-generation college student. However, the little help I did receive from teachers was a crucial part of succeeding and that is why I want to help others in this process by providing further resources to the Latino community.

Monica Reyes

Director of Marketing

My name is Monica, and I am the Marketing Director for Puente. I was born and raised in Boston, MA and am studying Biology at Utah Valley University to become a Nurse Practitioner. Even though I am not a first-generation student, I know that my parents would have benefited from workshops like the ones Puente gives. I enjoy marketing and love working with my team. I want to be a part of the change that comes from an organization like Puente!